Commelin, Jan

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, folio (395 x 255mm.), half-titles, engraved additional titles, printed titles in Latin (red and black) and Dutch, both with woodcut devices, 3 dedication leaves, 5 engraved plates of arms (dedication leaves and arms vary from copy to copy), 223 fine engraved plates, early MS nomenclatures on plates, contemporary speckled calf, occasional light browning or spotting, joints and extremities worn

George Roffavier, bookplate; Ruth and Walter Middelmann, bookplate

Dunthorne 81; Great Flower Books, p.54; Hunt 399; Nissen BBI 389; Stafleu TL2 1187

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

“The first volume, on the plants of the East and West Indies, was Jan Commelin’s most important contribution to botanical knowledge; it was brought out posthumously by his nephew Caspar. The second volume was by Caspar Commelin and contained an enlargement on some of the notes in Jan’s book, with further notes on African plants” (Hunt). According to Nissen, some of the engravings are after drawings by Johanna Herolt, daughter of Maria Sybilla Merian.